For large qualifying sites that have below-grade transit infrastructure which occupies at least 30 percent of the lot area, the underlying setback requirements shall be modified to exempt up to 30 percent of the total street wall width of the development from such setback requirements.
§101-224
Special provision for certain sites
New York City Zoning Resolution · Last amended Mar 10, 2026
New York City Zoning Resolution Section 101-224: Special provision for certain sites.
In plain English
Bottom line: if your building site has subway tunnels, stations, or other underground transit taking up at least 30% of the lot, you get a break on setback rules (setback = how far the building must be pulled back from the property line).
Specifically: up to 30% of your street wall (the building face along the sidewalk) can ignore those setback requirements.
So part of your building can rise straight up from the lot line instead of stepping back.
Verbatim section text
Official source: View §101-224 on zr.planning.nyc.gov